Client Spotlight: UCP to Host 38th Annual Golf Classic

Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of San Diego County is set to hold their 38th Annual Golf Classic, benefiting the programs and services provided to children and adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. The event will be held at El Camino Country Club in Oceanside, CA on Monday, August 17, 2020.

As an advocate for UCP's mission and 5th consecutive year grand sponsor, Rancho Mesa is honored to be a part of this event and help support the organization.

San Diego Padres Infielder Greg Garcia, Rancho Mesa President Dave Garcia’s son, is recognized by UCP Annual Golf Classic as a 2020 Honorary Chairman.

About United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego County
The mission of UCP of San Diego County is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people affected by cerebral palsy and other disabilities. By making solid steps, UCP can build a better community for all in the process. For more information, visit ucpsd.org.

To become a sponsor or for upcoming event questions contact Marc Carucci at mcarucci@ucpsd.org or call (858) 571-5365 x112.

Client Spotlight: YardApes Featured in NALP Podcast

Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa client, Shayne Newman, president of YardApes Inc., discusses professionalism and elevating the landscape industry in episode 8 of the National Association of Landscape Professionals’ (NALP) Growing in the Green Industry Podcast.

The podcast is hosted by Miles Kuperus III, system architect at Include Software, Neal Glatt, managing partner of GrowTheBench, and Brett Lemcke, vice president of R.M. Landscape, all of which are members of the NALP. Newman has also been actively involved with NALP for about 20 years and currently serves on the board of directors.

In episode 8, “Modern Leadership: Giving Back While Moving Forward,” Newman discusses how he has grown his company while building a strong safety-based culture and raising involvement in his community. He has a lot of passion for his industry and speaks about the importance of enhancing public perception of the landscape industry.

About YardApes, Inc.
YardApes, Inc. is a full-service design, construction and maintenance company serving Northwest Connecticut’s residential and commercial clients since 1990. YardApes is one of thirteen Landscape Industry Accredited Companies in the United States and the only Landscape Industry Accredited Company in Connecticut. For more information about YardApes Inc., please visit www.yardapes.com.

NAWIC Today Magazine publishes Sam Clayton’s Cyber Threats Article

Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurances Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa’s Sam Clayton, Vice President of the Construction Group, recently had an article published in the July/August 2020 issue of NAWIC Today, the National Association of Women in Construction's (NAWIC) official publication. This nationally-distributed magazine covers construction safety, technology, leadership and other important industry topics. Leading the CyberOne™ program for Rancho Mesa, Sam is has an extensive knowledge about how the construction industry can protect itself from losses due to cybercrimes.

Sam’s article titled “3 Cyber Threats of Employee Telecommuting” features helpful tips to minimize threats to businesses while many employees are currently working remote. Check out Volume 4/Number 4 of NAWIC Today for the full article.

Founded in Fort Worth, Texas by sixteen women, NAWIC’s core purpose is to “Strengthen and amplify the success of women in the construction industry.” For over 65 years they have been providing education, professional development, networking and more to their members. Rancho Mesa Insurance Services offers a CyberOne™ insurance program designed for NAWIC members.

Want even more information about cyber threats and how you can be prepared? Listen to our podcast StudioOne™ Safety and Risk Management Network on most major streaming platforms.

Edited 4/19/2021.

Rancho Mesa’s Party of Five

Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Babies, we were all one once; and many of us have had them or are having them. During the Baby Boom, 50 million babies were born between the 1940s and 1950s. We haven’t seen numbers like that since, until this year. Well, we may be exaggerating a little.

Since the start of 2020, Rancho Mesa’s family has continued to grow. In January, we welcomed sweet baby girl Rylee. Rylee is daughter to Sierra Stone, one of our Assistant Account Managers, and granddaughter to Lori Stone, Rancho Mesa’s Accounting Manager. This is Sierra’s first child and Lori’s second grandbaby.

With March bringing more luck than ever, Andy Roberts, Account Executive in the Surety department, and wife Kelsey brought Reagan Lee into the world. Andy says he is looking forward to seeing her reach all the milestones: first steps, first word, first boyfriend – just kidding, Andy!

Springtime came after the winter melted away. We had a wet winter here in San Diego, so the season change was more than welcomed. Another grandbaby was born into the Rancho Mesa family. Kim Vasquez introduced her second grandson from daughter Brittani Davis who also works at Rancho Mesa as an Account Manager in Santee. Both are looking forward to watching new baby boy Desmond and big brother DJ build a relationship and grow together.

We also have some amazing tiny humans to look forward to in the coming months. In August, Account Manager John Parker is expecting his first baby. Their fur children are eagerly awaiting, as well. 

As Summer comes to an end, a new beginning will start at the Thomas household. Account Coordinator Erin and family are waiting for baby boy #2. Big brother Jaxon can’t stop asking when the baby will be here, and Erin just wants to hold him.  Don’t worry, that day will be here sooner than you know.

We want to say congratulations to all our parents and soon to be parents. Bringing a life into the world is one of the most special and amazing things you can experience. It’s also one of the hardest, but so rewarding. The next generation of Rancho Mesa Insurance is coming and we can’t wait to watch them grow and flourish.

A Silver Lining

Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Day 92 in quarantine: you’re starting to forget what day of the week it is, wondering if your jeans remember who you are, and thinking about when this pandemic might be behind us for good. It’s hard to think of a silver lining through all of this, but there are glimmers of hope. 

Many are working from home and some are only beginning to return to work. At Rancho Mesa, we are lucky to have continued business as usual - well, as usual as it can be given most of us have not been in the office for months. Christina Haake, Account Manager, says she misses her friends and family in Santa Barbara most, but misses being spontaneous. “Now everything has to be planned and timed: going to the store, video calls, etc.” When asked what she has learned from the stay-at-home order, she said it has made her realize how important it is to show affection as much as possible because you never know the next time you will have the chance. Christina is a Disneyland annual pass holder and is counting down the days until she can sport her favorite pair of ears, once again.

Pictured: Christina Haake.

Pictured: Kimmie Parker and John Parker.

Then, there are the anxious sports fans. Quiet nights on the diamond, the void of fantasy league notifications and reruns on Monday nights take the place of watching the ol’ pigskin fly live on TV. John Parker, Account Manager, from our La Mesa office, is currently sheltered-in-place with his family and has been collecting baseball cards to occupy his free time over that last few months. His wife, on the other hand, has been enjoying virtual baby showers for their first child, who is due this Summer! Their babymoon to Palm Springs may be on hold, but John says it gives them something to look forward to when life gets back to normal. Both of them love music and going to local concerts, so they can’t wait to be outside again enjoying their favorites with friends.

Daniel Frazee, Executive Vice President, is occupying his time by watching all the Avengers movies with his four children. As much as he loves having them home, Daniel is the office social butterfly and admits he misses the interaction with his co-workers. Through this ordeal, Daniel has continued to work from the La Mesa office, along with Account Executive Jeremy Hoolihan. “I’ve worked with Jeremy for years and this situation has actually brought us much closer.” 

Pictured: Emily Marasso and husband.

Personally, I can’t wait to hear the words, “may I take your plate for you?” Or, “would you like another refill?” But, in all seriousness, almost everyone I have spoken with about the temporary shutdown has said – don’t take the little things for granted like going to Costco without feeling like you’re standing in an amusement park line,  leaving the house without a facial covering, hugging your loved ones, or sitting at a restaurant to eat. Our daily routines are far from normal, but we are getting there as more and more businesses and services begin to open up. The silver lining in all of this is that we’ve learned to appreciate each other and the things around us. I am happy to say I know most of my neighbors now, thanks to this!

In a world where everything is becoming automated, digital and rushed, this pandemic is reminding us of a simpler time. What are you looking forward to when this has passed? "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light," Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Safety Spotlight: Klausing Group Celebrates 3 Years of Outstanding Safety

Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa’s Vice President of the Landscape Group and Chairperson for the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) Safety Committee Drew Garcia had the opportunity to congratulate Klausing Group for three years without a lost time accident.

For 12 seasons, 156 weeks, 1,095 days or 6,245 hours, Klausing Group was accident free.  That level of commitment to safety is hard to achieve in the landscape industry.

Klausing Group is a commercial landscape company located in Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky.  With over 20 years in business, they aren’t just focused on creating and maintaining landscapes, the group certifies and trains employees in the landscape industry and has become a leader in doing so.

Drew Garcia has been a Chairperson for the NALP Safety Committee for 4 years and champions companies to who take safety seriously.

“Nothing substitutes a strong safety culture.  You have to be about safety and talk about safety on a daily basis and obviously at Klausing Group, the safety culture is incredibly strong,” said Drew Garcia.

Rancho Mesa congratulates Klausing Group for their excellence in workplace safety.

StudioOne™ Podcast Downloads Increase 745% in One Month

Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa Insurance Services’ StudioOne™ Safety and Risk Management Podcast network broke 500 listens and continues to increase rapidly! The podcast surpassed a massive 745% increase in downloads and streams from April to May.

The podcast series not only addresses safety and risk management issues that can affect a business's bottom line, but covers topics such as the effects of COVID-19 on the insurance marketplace, new executive orders, industry specific best practices, and more!

Subscribe to the StudioOne™ Safety and Risk Management Network podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, or Spotify to never miss an episode!

To find the StudioOne™ podcast in any of the above apps on your mobile device, type in “StudioOne Safety and Risk” in the search box. You can also listen from your computer by visiting www.RanchoMesa.com/StudioOne or anchor.fm/ranchomesa.

RM365 Advantage Safety Star Program™ Adds New Ladder Safety Module

Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa is pleased to announce the addition of the Ladder Safety module to its RM365 Advantage Safety Star Program™ for construction safety.

ICW Group’s Tom Jolliff, Sr. Risk Management Consultant and Rick Fineman, Vice President of Risk Management Services provide 50 minutes of practical ladder safety information in the training module.

Ladder safety has been in the top 10 OSHA-cited violations for the past 5 years. As a business owner, supervisor or safety manager, you must find a way to get ahead of this problem and improve your safety program starting with ladder safety. In this module, you will learn:

• Alarming trends with ladder safety.

• Ways to reduce the frequency of injuries from ladder falls.

• Ways to ensure you are using the proper equipment for the job at hand.

• Components of a proper ladder safety program for your company.

To complete the RM365 Safety Star Program™, all participants will take the Accident Investigation and Analysis module while choosing two remaining modules from Mobility & Stretch/ABLE Lift Protocol, Fall Protection, Heat Illness Prevention, Ladder Safety, and Fleet Safety. 

The construction program can be completed 100% online or through a combination of online and in-person workshop modules.

To enroll in the RM365 Advantage Safety Star Program™ today, visit www.ranchomesa.com/rm365-advantage-safety-star-program and fill out the application.

Homemade Heroes to the Rescue! – At Rancho Mesa Insurance

Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Masks have become one of the most popular accessories in 2020, due to COVID-19, and are in short supply because of it. Rancho Mesa Certician Vicki Painter and retired Rancho Mesa employee Merry Rosseau knew they had to help.

Vicki and Merry worked diligently to make masks with whatever they had accessible to them. When there was a shortage of elastic, they resorted to using elastic headbands as an alternative. From lemons, to buffalo check and even Mickey Mouse, these two incredible women managed to make enough masks not only to provide for our Santee and La Mesa offices and families, but they even made enough to hand out masks to clients and delivery workers!

We would like to take a minute to send a huge virtual hug and thank you to Vicki and Merry for their hard work and generosity. They truly represent OneofOne®. From all of us at Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, we hope you are staying safe and healthy.

Client Spotlight: Veterans Village of SD Receives Public Health Award

Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Image provided by the San Diego County News Center.

On April 16th, 2020,  Veterans Village of San Diego was awarded the Live Well San Diego Public Health Champion North Central Region Award by the National Public Health Week (NPHW), sponsored by the American Public Health Association. Veterans Village of San Diego is a non-profit organization focused on assisting homeless veterans; servicing more than 3,000 vets across San Diego County. Their motto is “Leave No One Behind” and they have been doing just that for almost 40 years.

The NPHW runs from April 6 - April 12, 2020 and is observed across the United States. It is intended to highlight issues and contributions to public health in order to improve the health of the nation. Each year, NPHW chooses a theme that carries throughout the week with each day focusing on a different topic relating to the Live Well San Diego initiative. Appropriately for this year’s theme, they have chosen COVID-19.

Alongside daily focus topics, the county holds an award ceremony recognizing people and organizations that have helped to improve the well-being and health of San Diegans. Due to social distancing, the ceremony was held virtually, but the recipients were announced by the county during their daily COVID-19 briefing. 

About Veterans Village of San Diego
Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD) has served all veterans since 1981 and is dedicated to “Leave No One Behind.” VVSD is the only program of its kind in the United States and is nationally recognized as the leader in serving homeless military veterans. Each year VVSD provides services to more than 3,000 military veterans throughout San Diego County. For more information about Veterans Village of San Diego and how you can help support their efforts, visit www.vvsd.net.